NextEra Energy Resources says that its merger plans with Hawaiian Electric Utilities (HEI) will give the state its best chance to realize its 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2045.
NextEra Energy provided additional details on its merger with HEI, including 85 commitments, as part of filings with the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission. NextEra says it merger proposal can deliver a total of nearly $1 billion in customer savings and economic benefits.
Customers also will also benefit from NextEra Energy's ability to accelerate the development of more modern grids throughout the islands through the deployment of smart meters, including time-of-use rate options, as well as improvements to overall service, reliability and performance. In addition, NextEra Energy reinforced its commitment to the communities served by HEI and the state of Hawaii by pledging to maintain HEI's current levels of charity for at least 10 years and to keep HEI locally managed.
NextEra sweetened its offer after Gov. David Ige, D-Hawaii, opposed the deal in July, claiming that the proposal was not in Hawaii's best interests.
Pictured: Kauai's Rugged Na Pali Coast
